Fisherman and women are required to get an Alabama fishing license before they can take advantage of the sport in the state’s lakes and other bodies of water. To get your fishing permit though, you must first fulfill the licensing requirements set by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. As AL is a coastal state, both residents and nonresidents can choose from either saltwater fishing licenses or freshwater fishing licenses. To purchase one of the available Alabama fishing permits, you must follow the set list of fishing license application steps devised by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The department allows applicants to get their Alabama permit to fish using various methods depending on which is most convenient for you. However, the most common methods used to purchase a license to fish in AL are online or in-person application submissions. When applying for your freshwater fishing license or saltwater fishing license, note that you will be required to pay the appropriate licensing fee. The fishing permit fee varies, depending on whether you are a resident or nonresident. Other factors that affect the fishing license fee includes the length of time the license will be valid before it expires, as well as the type of fish you will take from the water. Individuals such as residents, military members and military veterans can also expect to receive a discounted rate when applying for a fishing credential. Find out more about the available Alabama recreational fishing licenses by reading the sections below:

Alabama Freshwater Fishing Licenses

Alabama freshwater fishing licenses are required for residents and non residents to partake in the sport of freshwater fishing in public inland waters. If you are considering getting fishing licenses for fresh water angling, keep in mind these two important factors: the required fishing license application documents you must present to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the set licensing fee to pay.

To purchase a resident fishing license for fresh water fishing, submit proof of Alabama residency. Proving your residency can often be achieved by submitting your state driving license. Should your driver’s license not be available, an official document with your home address printed on it is acceptable.

Note: Residents 65 years of age or older are not required to purchase an Alabama freshwater license or a state duck stamp.

A standard freshwater license to fish expires yearly, on August 31. However, applicants may also purchase a daily license for freshwater state lakes for a very low cost. With a Freshwater State Lakes Daily License, anglers are granted the opportunity to fish at any state lake for a single day. Some of the public lakes approved by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division for freshwater fishing purposes include the following:

Clay County Lake

Marion County Lake

Geneva County Lake

Walker County Lake

Bibb County Lake

Crenshaw County Lake

Lamar County Lake

Alabama Saltwater Fishing Licenses

Saltwater fishing in the state requires an Alabama saltwater fishing license. To apply for a saltwater fishing license, complete a fishing license application through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to meet the minimum age requirement. Additionally, the Alabama deep sea fishing license is available to both residents (who must present their driver’s license as proof of residency) and tourists of the state.

Fishing Frequently Asked Questions

Oftentimes you can buy a fishing license through your state’s fishing department website. You will most likely need to create an account on the webpage and have a printer nearby to finalize your transaction. Make sure to also have a valid credit card on hand, as no other form of payment is accepted by state departments online. Take note that, as proof of your residency, you may be required to enter your driver’s license number.

In a general sense, a good number of states offer the following types of fishing licenses: a regular fishing license and a commercial fishing license. Depending on where you reside, you may also have the option to get a saltwater license to fish, if you are by coastal waters. In addition to these permits, you may be required to buy a fishing stamp, depending on the specific type of fish species you intend to catch.

A regular fishing permit is often valid for the period of a full year. However, you may also have the option to obtain a license to fish that is good for 24 hours or 72 hours, for example. In some instances, a weekly fishing license or a lifetime license may also be available. Lifetime licenses to fish are the most suitable option for those anglers who intend to fish for the duration of their lives. Keep in mind that if you would like to continue fishing after the expiration date of your current licensure, you will be required to get a new permit to fish.

The fees related to a state fishing license may vary, depending on a few factors. But senior residents and military veterans can usually get a fishing license that is free of charge, as long as they can present official documentation that supports their residency or military service. Resident licenses to fish are often more affordable than nonresident licenses. The most costly licenses are for those who would like to get lifetime credentials.

In the event that you have lost your fishing license or it was stolen, the most common way to obtain a duplicate is through your state’s fishing department. You may be required to make an in-person visit to a nearby office or to contact a licensed agent directly. Depending on where you reside, you may also have the option to order a fishing permit replacement online. But, to be sure, it is important that you double check with your state department first, as you may also need to bring in certain documentation, such as your driver’s license or ID card.